Abstract: A control system including apparatus for the transmission of information for the control of vehicles travelling in one direction on a guideway. The guideway is broken down into a plurality of groups of uniquely identified sequential blocks. Each block has at least one vehicle detector for detecting the presence of a vehicle and having an operated condition responsive to vehicle detection. Each block further includes a transmitter for providing, to a vehicle within the block, information concerning the block it is in as well as information regarding the identity of the next downstream occupied or unavailable block. To this end, each block has associated with it a word generator for producing a signal identifying the block; the word generator is coupled to the block transmitter, which transmitter is only enabled when the vehicle detector is in its operated condition.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors are located on one of the bodies, staggered by fixed distances from each other along the direction of relative movement. The sensors are responsive to a characteristic of the other body, for example to surface characteristics of a roadway. A sensed signal, picked up by a first, or leading sensor is time delayed for a predetermined time interval, and compared with signals received from all the other sensors. Upon optimum correlation, and with known time delay and distance between sensors, the relative speed can then be indicated by determining which one of the sensors picked up the signals which matched the time delay signal. The amplitudes of the signals can be dynamically equalized and the time delay itself changed to permit output over wide ranges, or with respect to different scaling units.

Abstract: The specification discloses a system for protected data transmission between a control center and a plurality of track-bound vehicles. The data is not acknowledged as correct until it is contained in two successive data messages which are compared. The comparison indicates whether the difference between the two successive messages is within predetermined limits.

Abstract: Improved stopping accuracy of track-bound vehicles at railway stations is obtained by spacing the phase reversal points of the track conductors at shorter intervals in the station area than on the line and, during a vehicle's approach to a stop, transmitting the exact location of the stopping point between any two phase reversal points to the vehicle, and activating the vehicle's own phase reversal detection logic for the duration of its stay in the station area.

Abstract: A system is described for controlling the movement of a vehicle over a guideway having a specified length. A signal is generated which represents a commanded absolute position of the vehicle on the guideway. A vehicle position transducer provides a signal having a value representing the actual position of the vehicle on the guideway which is compared with the commanded position to provide a position error signal. The speed of the vehicle is controlled in accord with the value of the position error signal. The commanded vehicle position signal is varied with time in a manner to provide desired vehicle motion characteristics including vehicle jerk and acceleration and deceleration values. The system also provides for a constant velocity control mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous supervision of both a vehicle's speed and deceleration over a track, provides overspeed detection in one set of conditions and under-deceleration detection under other conditions. The apparatus does not provide automatic driving, but is used in conjunction with either automatic driving equipment or manual driving of the vehicle. The process involved comprises the steps of transmitting to the vehicle an exit speed, defined as a speed limit to be observed on leaving a particular block section of the track upon which the vehicle travels. The exit speed is stored in the vehicle, and comparisons are made with a stored exit speed for the preceding block section. The process further includes a continuous measurement of both actual speed and deceleration of the vehicle, and provides for initiation of emergency braking dependent upon the results of the comparison and measurement steps.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of vehicles provides for efficient communication while minimizing necessary bandwidth and communication delays. Periodic reports are received from the vehicles by a controlling authority. All vehicles in motion continually receive a permissive GO signal. When the controlling authority determines a vehicle should be stopped, it immediately addresses a STOP command thereto. The addressed vehicle acknowledges the message. Failure of the controlling authority to receive the acknowledgement results in removal of the permissive GO, stopping all vehicles.

Abstract: A train operation control apparatus includes a memory for prestoring speed instructions in accordance with the travelled distances of a train and a counter which starts to operate upon train's passing through a predetermined point to count input signals representative of a travel speed of the train. A speed instruction is read out of the memory in response to a content of the counter so that the train follows the speed instruction. Before the operation of the counter is started, a maximum count of the counter is preset so that a minimum speed instruction is read out of the memory at the start of operation, and based on the content thereof a fault of the counter is detected so that a brake instruction is issued to the train.

Abstract: A train safety and control system utilizing at least one transmitter disposed at the railway right-of-way for the transmission of orders necessary for train traffic control and for the wireless exchange of general information between a track control center and trains moving in the associated right-of-way section, with a data processing installation being provided at the track control center for the cyclical determination of orders in the form of dynamic signals, in which the operational availability of the data processing system is monitored at the track control center, whereby at a predetermined operational readiness of the data process system a pilot sound generator is continuously activated, whose signals are conducted over the same transmission path of the transmitter as the orders for the traction vehicles, a switching device being provided in the vehicle responsive in dependence upon the presence of a received pilot sound signal for controlling the conduction of received control orders to responsive con

Abstract: A train safety and control installation utilizing at least one transmitter disposed at the railway right-of-way for the transmission of orders necessary for train traffic control and for the wireless exchange of general information between a track control center and trains moving in the associated right-of-way section, with a data processing installation being provided at the track control center for the cyclical determination of orders in the form of dynamic signals in which the operational availability of the data processing system is monitored at the track control center, whereby at a predetermined operation readiness of the data processing system a pilot sound generator is continuously activated whose signals are supplied for the traction vehicles, a switching device, provided at the track control centers, having an input for receiving control orders, an input for receiving radio message, and an output for selectively supplying either to the transmitter, and apparatus for selectively actuating said switch

Abstract: A device for preventing collision of trains includes two units, a stationary signal sending unit mounted on the wayside and a moving control unit mounted on the locomotive. The signal sending unit including the traffic light system transmits a D. C. voltage, zero, positive, or negative value, representing red, yellow, or green traffic light, to the control unit through two contacts, one mounted on the wayside and one mounted on the locomotive. The control unit includes an electro-responsive valve, the air brake system of the train, and four speed-switches. The electro-responsive valve is connected by a pipe to the air brake system of the train. Openings of the electro-responsive valve will cause brake applications. The so organized device will cause the train to stop if the train runs through a red traffic light, and will cause the train to restrict its run under a pre-set low speed limit after passing the red traffic light.

Abstract: A rail-borne shunting locomotive, to be operated through radio control by a driver as he moves around the locomotive, has a central power plant compartment, a cabin at each end adjacent the power plant compartment, gangways on each side extending alongside the power plant compartment from one cabin to the other, an open platform at each end in front of the cabin and at each side of the platform, at least one step for the driver to stand on at a lower level than the platform. Each cabin is directly accessible from both gangways and from the respective platform. A wide range of operating locations is available to the driver and access to them is convenient.

Abstract: In an automatic operating system for a vehicle where the velocity of the vehicle is controlled so as to follow a selected one of a plurality of target velocity patterns, the system comprising first apparatus for predicting a braking or a powering force corresponding to a first target velocity pattern, second apparatus for predicting a braking or a powering force corresponding to a second target velocity pattern and third apparatus for selecting either one of the braking or powering force from the first and second apparatus in response to values of the braking or powering force therefrom.

Abstract: A transmitter and a receiver are located at each junction location between adjoining track sections along a stretch of track for transmitting and receiving cab signal or speed control commands through wire loops laid in a preselected pattern parallel to and between the rails of each section. Train carried apparatus is selectively reponsive to the speed commands and to the pattern of the wire loops to control the movement of the train in the established direction through the stretch. A distinct directional frequency is transmitted from the selected entrance end of the stretch, when a train movement is desired, and is repeated at each wayside location through the wire loops to the exit end. The directional frequency reception at each location activates a filter output to selectively enable gating elements to connect the associated transmitter and receiver to the adjoining section loops in accordance with the desired traffic direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated railway system and to a method of leading a vehicle by means of a control center from an automatically controlled area to an area of individual control. The speed-determining criteria in the area of individual control, for example, maximum speeds and stopping points, are stored in the control center and used to determine a transition speed and a transfer point which, in turn, are communicated as corresponding running commands to the vehicle still being in the area of the control center.

Abstract: In a train control signalling system, a wayside signal of an unknown code rate is detected and decoded on board the train to determine the code rate and derive the coded train control intelligence. The code rate is determined by counting the number of cycles of a known higher frequency which occur during one period of the unknown code rate. Before a train command signal is issued, a number of tests are performed to verify that the determination is accurate with no margin for error. The known higher frequency signal is passed through a tuned circuit to verify that it is within predetermined limits of its rated frequency. The counter that counts the cycles of the known higher frequency is tested to verify that it is reset to zero at required intervals. Verification is obtained that one and only one train control signal is obtained. The counting circuits and memory devices are cycled prior to each decoding operation to verify proper functioning.

Abstract: A wire loop for carrying cab signal or speed control commands is laid parallel to the rails along the track center line except at the exit end of each section where an offset portion of this loop is laid immediately adjacent one rail to form a cut-in signal source. A second loop is laid along the center line of the rails through this offset distance, which is equal to the stopping distance of the train from the restricted speed rate, and each loop is supplied by the same cab signal transmitter. Each train carries receiver coils positioned above the center line loops and above the cut-in loop positions. The normal cab signal or speed control apparatus is controlled by the signal picked up by the receiver coil above the centerline loops in the track. A separate cut-in receiver is controlled by signals picked up from the offset portion of the main loop but responds only to a proceed signal command.

Abstract: Driverless vehicles, confined to motion in one direction along a defined path divided into blocks, receive commands from a central unit in the form of encoded command signals radiated from an elongated radiator. Each vehicle progresses only while receiving signals regularly. The radiator comprises two parallel stretches, each extending all along the path but divided into sections, each section being as long as a block but extending across a block boundary, with a section of each stretch paired with a laterally adjacent section of the other stretch. In each section pair, the segment of one section that lies in one block is shielded, the remainder unshielded; the other section of the pair has opposite shielded and unshielded segments.

Abstract: A train vehicle zero speed sensing apparatus is provided for operation with a pair of tachometers coupled to the drive mechanism of a train vehicle, such that zero speed or an equivalent zero speed of the vehicle is sensed, and any single failure is detectable and will not yield a false zero speed indication.

Abstract: Logic passing method and device enabling an automatic pilot-driving of trs in the section of track which follows the section occupied by a preceding train. The method consists in determining the rules for allowing and preventing and in implementing them by a logic passing device in which memories are set by first data and activated by second data. Applications: signals on railways or underground systems.

Abstract: A vehicle control system monitors vehicle passage at predetermined locations. Each time a vehicle passes a predetermined location a window is created for passage of that vehicle at the next predetermined location. So long as the vehicle actually passes the next location during the window the vehicle is allowed to continue its travel. As a further check each location ensures that safe separation is maintained between vehicles by allowing continued travel only if a minimum time separation is maintained. The system also responds to coupled vehicles by detecting that the time separation is below a predetermined value indicative of coupled vehicles and thus minimum time separation need not be enforced. In one embodiment, passage of a vehicle outside of a time window results in immediate protective action such as by de-energizing the power to each of the vehicles in the system to prevent violation of minimum safe separation rules.

Abstract: Train speed is controlled by propulsion train line (PTL) apparatus, which sets a base level of propulsion effort, and by an advance train line (ATL) apparatus, which varies the propulsion effort up or down from the existing base level in accordance with under or over speed conditions. Each full cycle of ATL operation drives the PTL apparatus to the next higher or lower base level. A propulsion error signal PE drives a comparator-clock network to generate clock pulses and an up/down signal to step the ATL register and thus the PTL encoder to bring speed within the desired range. A speed control, brake error signal SCBE controls normal train braking effort but is inhibited while propulsion control remains effective to reduce speed. When the PTL encoder counts down to the zero propulsion level, the clamp on signal SCBE is removed to activate braking to further reduce speed.

Abstract: A communication system for track or guideway operated vehicles is disclosed. The system is adapted for two-way transmission between a vehicle and a wayside station and is provided with a transmission line of special configuration along the wayside. The transmission line comprises three conductors each having a wave configuration with the waves disposed in three-phase relationship and a return conductor which is also of wave configuration. The vehicle transmitter section is provided with an inductive loop which is coupled with the transmission line and is energized with a continuous wave signal. This produces signals on the three phase conductors which have an envelope frequency proportional to vehicle speed and a phase relationship corresponding to the relative position of the wave configurations of the phase conductors. Thus, vehicle speed may be derived by measuring frequency and vehicle position may be derived by counting cycles or pulses from a given starting point.

Abstract: An improved train vehicle speed control system is provided for operation in conjunction with train speed control signals and train occupancy indication signals in relation to a train vehicle track system including a plurality of predetermined track circuit signal blocks through which train vehicles pass. It is desired that a control of train vehicle speed be provided in relation to the detected occupancy by a train vehicle of a particular signal block, for maintaining train vehicle occupancy protection requirements and providing desired sequential occupancy control of the train vehicles through each of successive signal blocks through operation of provided protection signals with selected signal blocks behind the detected train vehicle. Spurious pseudo vehicle occupancy in a given signal block is detected and included in the provided train speed control in relation to that given signal block.

Abstract: In a transportation vehicle control system, a signal is detected from a transposed cable to determine the vehicle position relative to a predetermined speed control zone. This position data, along with other manual and/or automatic inputs, is fed into a profile function generator whose output is a predetermined singular function of the position and other inputs. While the vehicle is within the speed control zone, the output of the profile function generator is converted from digital form into analog form and then used to limit the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A collision avoidance system adapted for railroad use comprising a track having connected thereto a plurality of first signal transmitters exciting the track by a first control signal within a first frequency bandpass range and a plurality of second signal transmitters interspaced between the first signal transmitters in an alternating arrangement, such second transmitters exciting the track by a second control signal within a second frequency bandpass range. While the first and second control signals are respectively within the first and second bandpass range, individual ones thereof are separated by frequency increments from the other control signals within the corresponding bandpass range such that any beats therebetween are of a relatively high frequency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a signal system for high speed vehicles traveling along a predetermined way. In the system vehicles are controlled from the wayside through the use of incremental signals automatically provided to the vehicles as a function of vehicle passage and relative vehicle position. In addition central control is provided for such a system to allow for superimposing on the automatic wayside signal equipment a programmable speed control which allows for simultaneous provision of safe vehicle speed while establishing constant, acceleration or deceleration control over any vehicle in the system.

Abstract: There is disclosed an input signal threshold responsive apparatus for responding to a predetermined input signal energy level, in relation to a voltage and time product, before an associated train vehicle control system is enabled by a provided gated enable signal. The provided apparatus responds to one of a plurality of input signals, having respectively different frequencies and different amplitudes, and provides an enabling output signal.It is desired to provide an improved threshold sensitive input signal receiver apparatus in conjunction with train vehicle control and in relation to plural stray signals in a given track circuit signal block due to cross talk from adjacent signal blocks and the like. The input signal responsive or sensitivity threshold is established in relation to the practical required signal level of the desired signal to be received within the given signal block.

Abstract: A system is provided to permit the independent, simultaneous operation of several model railroad train sets along a single track at variable speeds and in the forward and reverse direction, as desired. The system employs apparatus for generating a repetitive ultimate duty cycle and for dividing the duty cycle into spaced apart timewise time slots. During each time slot a train driving voltage of preselected polarity and amplitude is applied to the track. Time gaps are provided between the time slots and during each such gap a control signal of predetermined frequency is applied to the track. The system further includes a sensor mounted in each train and connected to the dc motor of the train. Each sensor is tuned to one of the predetermined frequencies and includes a latching circuit responsive to its frequency which latches the dc motor to the track during the immediately following time slot. The duty cycle and time slots are chosen to permit the trains to operate smoothly and without interruption.

Abstract: An improved train vehicle speed control system is provided for operation in conjunction with train vehicle occupancy control signals and train occupancy indication signals in relation to a train vehicle track system including a plurality of predetermined track circuit signal blocks through which the train vehicles pass. It is desired that control of train vehicle speed be provided in relation to the detected occupancy by the train vehicle in a particular signal block, for maintaining train vehicle occupancy protection requirements and providing protection signals to establish desired sequential occupancy control of the train vehicles through each of selected signal blocks adjacent to that particular signal block. Spurious pseudo vehicle occupancy in any signal block is detected and included in the provided train speed control in relation to that signal block.

Abstract: Placed near the transition point between power sources of different voltages or frequencies, is a wayside signal producing device which activates an on-board circuit for disconnecting the on-coming vehicle from the power source. When the vehicle has crossed the transition point, another signal producing device causes the vehicle to be connected to the other power source so as to resume power application. When the vehicle is proceeding in the opposite direction the sequence is reversed. In this way a multicar train can have the power source reliably switched in a car-by-car sequence without any appreciable loss in train speed.

Abstract: A method and device for facilitating the movement of a number of moving bodies such as trains travelling behind each other in a closed circuit with all the necessary automatic functions such as safety precautions against collision and control of traffic, is arranged by providing an ideal circulation of imaginary moving bodies corresponding to the actual bodies and progressing regularly according to a pre-established programme, each actual moving body being constrained to remain, within limits behind its corresponding imaginary moving body taking into account possible braking requirements, and, in front of the imaginary moving body controlling the next actual moving body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle control system in which a vehicle travels along a fixed trackway, the trackway having one or more divergent portions at which it divides into two or more alternative routes. A plurality of transponders or beacons are positioned adjacent the trackside in advance of each of the divergent portions to pass information to control equipment on the vehicle relating to the running characteristics of one of the alternative routes. A directional radio transmitter is positioned adjacent the divergent portions to transmit information to a receiver linked to the control equipment carried by the vehicle to enable the control equipment to identify the particular transponder or beacon relating to the route to be followed at the divergent portion and to act upon the appropriate information passed from that transponder or beacon.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle operation system which responds to a plurality of speed commands and a plurality of stopping commands. The vehicle is controlled to travel at one of a plurality of speeds in response to one of a plurality of speed commands. The vehicle can also be controlled to stop a predetermined distance after receipt of one of the two stopping commands. Which of the two stopping commands is received determines the distance over which the vehicle travels between receipt of the stopping command and the point at which the vehicle comes to rest. Regardless of which of the commands is received the vehicle is controlled so as to respect predetermined acceleration and jerk limits during periods of acceleration and deceleration. The acceleration control circuit is responsive not only to velocity rate of change but also to the grade over which the vehicle is traveling so as to limit the total acceleration of deceleration forces to a predetermined maximum.